Winifred could not help being terrified when she saw that the dame had so quickly understood her secret. What if others should penetrate it as easily? Dame Sprat saw her trouble and guessed its cause. "Have no fear, my maid," she said. "I have lived in troublous times before, and well do I know the ways of the outcast and the wanderer. I am an old woman, and my summons may come at any hour. What then should I gain by betraying any poor creature? I would gladly give such an one shelter under my poor roof if it were thought safe for him." "I am sure you are very good!" said Winifred. "I must tell the whole to my mother and see what she will say; and now good-night, dame. I must be going, for it grows late, but I will try to come again to-morrow." Winifred soon reached the standing stones, and first looking carefully around to see that she was not observed, she gave a low signal. The stranger peeped out of the burrow he had made for himself among the fallen masses. "Have you come so soon again, my little friend?" said he. "I am on my way home," replied Winifred. "I have brought you some apples and this blanket, but I must not stay." "Wait only one moment," said the stranger. He searched in his bosom as he spoke, and produced a very small parcel, wrapped in soft leather, and a watch and seals, such as gentlemen wore in those days. "Do you know my Lady Peckham at the Hall?" he asked. "I think you mentioned her name." "O yes," replied Winifred. "She has been very kind to me, and I go to the Hall twice a week, and sometimes oftener, to take lessons in fine work and other matters of Mrs. Alwright; my lady's gentlewoman." "Ah, poor Alwright! Is she still with my lady? Many a saucy trick have I played upon her," said the strange, smiling. "Well, sweetheart, you may carry this parcel and the watch to my lady, and tell her—no, you need tell her nothing. She will understand. But as you value my life, let no one see the packet. Can you put it into Lady Peckham's hands in private?" "I think I can," replied Winifred, after a moment's consideration. "I think I see the way to manage it. Good-night, sir." CHAPTER II. THE MIDNIGHT WALK. "YOU are late, my daughter," said her mother, who stood at the door watching for her. "The sun has set and the dew is beginning to fall heavily. What has kept you so long?" "I could not help it, mother," replied Winifred.